The Heart's Secret Decoder

Electrocardiogram is a common and important clinical examination method. It captures the electrical signals generated by the heart and converts them into visible waveforms, revealing the health of the heart. So, what can the common diagnostic terms of the electrocardiogram tell us about the heart?

In this issue, Sun Fang, an electrocardiogram expert and deputy chief physician of the electrocardiogram room of the Women and Children's Hospital of Dandong Central Hospital, provides us with popular knowledge related to electrocardiograms.

Learn about electrocardiogram

When we go to the hospital for a checkup or have an electrocardiogram for a health checkup, we often hear about the results of the examination, such as sinus rhythm, arrhythmia, premature beats, atrial fibrillation, etc. However, we do not know the health significance of these results. Let us explain them in detail below.

1. Sinus rhythm: refers to the normal heart rhythm, usually with a frequency of 60-100 beats/minute.

2. Arrhythmia: refers to the irregular rhythm of the heart, which may manifest as a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregular (such as atrial fibrillation).

3. Ventricular hypertrophy: Thickening of the ventricular wall, common in patients with hypertension. It may appear as an increased QRS amplitude on the electrocardiogram.

4. Conduction block: refers to the delay or obstruction of the conduction of cardiac electrical signals, such as atrioventricular block, which can be divided into first, second and third degrees.

5. Premature ventricular contractions: These are premature ventricular contractions that manifest as abnormal QRS waveforms and are usually benign; however, in some cases further evaluation is required.

6. Atrial fibrillation: A common arrhythmia, which manifests as irregular heart rhythm and absence of P waves on the electrocardiogram.

7. ST segment changes, elevation/depression: ST segment changes are usually associated with myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction. ST segment elevation usually indicates acute myocardial infarction, while depression may indicate ischemia.

8. Abnormal T waves: such as inverted T waves or tall and peaked T waves, may indicate myocardial ischemia or other heart problems.

9. QT interval prolongation: may increase the risk of arrhythmia and is often related to certain drugs or electrolyte disorders.

Things to note when doing an electrocardiogram

When performing an electrocardiogram, paying attention to some necessary precautions can help ensure the accuracy and validity of the test results.

1. Do not eat too much before the examination, do not drink cold drinks or smoke, do not drink strong tea or coffee, do not drink alcohol, do not do strenuous exercise, and need to rest quietly for 20 minutes.

2. Do not eat on an empty stomach to avoid hypoglycemia which may cause accelerated heartbeat.

3. Ensure adequate sleep and don’t stay up late.

4. Wear loose and comfortable clothes. Avoid tights, pantyhose, etc., and expose your wrists and ankles during the examination.

5. During the examination, do not be nervous or excited, stay relaxed, do not move or change position at will, breathe calmly and stay quiet.

6. If a chronic patient takes medication, he or she should inform the doctor in advance.

7. Once an electrocardiogram shows abnormalities, you must seek medical attention promptly, find out the cause, and receive symptomatic treatment.

In short, the electrocardiogram, a seemingly simple graphic record, actually contains rich information about heart health. It is not only a powerful tool for doctors to diagnose and treat symptoms, but also a powerful assistant for each of us to protect heart health. Pay attention to heart health, let us feel the secret language from the heart with our hearts, interpret it and pay attention to it through scientific methods, and jointly protect heart health, the most precious light of life.